Strikes and demonstrations have begun in France, where more than 1 million people are expected to attend, against the controversial pension reform. The French took to the streets throughout the country due to the demonstrations in which many sectors, especially energy, transportation, education and health, would participate in many cities, upon the call of the unions.
PENSION AGE WILL INCREASE FROM 62 TO 64
According to reports in the country’s press, people are protesting at more than 300 points against the government’s reform, which aims to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64.
TAILS OF VEHICLES OCCURRED
In the Ile-de-France region, where the capital city of Paris is located, in the first hours of the morning, vehicle queues of hundreds of kilometers were formed, and some train stations were raided by demonstrators.
The police intervened against the protesters who stormed the stations.
There are also disruptions in land and air transportation due to the strike.
ENERGY PRODUCTION DROPPED
The General Employment Union (CGT), which includes many unions, announced that electricity production at EDF power plants, which is the country’s main energy provider, has started to decrease by 3,000 watts.
Energy production in nuclear power plants has also dropped significantly. Almost all of the employees at the refineries and warehouses of TotalEnergies decided to strike.
STUDENTS ALSO SUPPORT
Employees and students of Science Po, one of Europe’s leading social sciences universities based in Paris, also supported the strikes and protests.
FRANCE PRESS: “BLACK DAY”
Noting that more than 1 million people are expected to participate in the demonstrations, the French press described today as a “black day” for the country due to disruptions in many sectors, including transportation and energy, due to strikes and protests.
The Ministry of Interior announced that 11 thousand police and gendarmerie were deployed throughout the country as part of the demonstrations.
Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne noted that in the country where the retirement age is 62, the legal retirement age will be gradually increased by 3 months each year from September 1, to 64 in 2030, and that in 2027, it will be a requirement to pay a premium for 43 years in order to receive the full pension.
While more than 1 million people participated in the demonstrations held across the country on January 19 against the pension reform, 8 leading unions called on the people to take to the streets again today.
